Gloucester To Scan Anyone Entering Office

October 07, 1994|By MATHEW PAUST Daily Press

GLOUCESTER — Beginning Oct. 17, everybody entering the Gloucester County Courts and Office Building will be scanned for weapons.

The new security measure is in response to a letter last year from Circuit Judge John M. Folkes to County Administrator William H. Whitley. Folkes expressed concern about lack of security at the building.

A subsequent security study of the building recommended that a full-time security officer be in the building whenever it is open to the public, said Whitley in a recent letter to all offices in the building.

The Board of Supervisors included funding for a security officer in the current budget.

In addition, a metal detecting gate that has stood at the Circuit Court entrance for about a year will be placed at the building's rear entrance, off the parking lot, and will be tended by the officer, said Whitley.

Entry to the building will be allowed only through this gate, he said.

"I certainly understand that these new procedures will be inconvenient for you. I know that you realize why Judge Folkes and the Board of Supervisors feel they are necessary, and ask for your understanding and cooperation," Whitley said in the letter.